| In the early years of the Internet, shopping online | | | | If you feel uncomfortable with a company you |
| was not popular. But as each year passed, the | | | | are ordering from, you can contact your local |
| number of online shoppers increased. Today, | | | | business bureau or other consumer agencies to |
| online purchases range from small gifts to | | | | make sure the company is in good standing. You |
| household appliances and furniture. Shoppers find it | | | | can also find reviews about merchants and their |
| convenient to study reviews and compare prices | | | | services by searching the Internet. |
| online rather than driving around to different | | | | Shipping Costs |
| stores because of the increasing cost of gasoline. | | | | The cost of shipping can add to the total amount |
| Here are some guidelines when purchasing wine | | | | of your purchase. Most merchants provide |
| online. | | | | guidelines regarding by what means a purchase will |
| Legal Issues | | | | be shipped such as UPS, FedEx, or US mail. They |
| When purchasing wine online, you need to be | | | | also include tables showing the additional amounts |
| aware of any legal restrictions on purchase. Some | | | | for shipping. If you cannot find this information on |
| states require you to provide identification to | | | | the website, you should call or send an email or |
| show you are of legal age. Some states prohibit | | | | fax to the merchant to find out what the shipping |
| the delivery of wine products across different | | | | costs will be. It can add a significant amount to |
| states. As you would with any online purchase, | | | | your total and may not be within your budget for |
| you want to read the merchant's customer | | | | the purchase. |
| service policy and terms and conditions. You want | | | | Online Auctions |
| to make sure the merchant has a return | | | | There are online auctions for the purchase of |
| guarantee for bad wine. | | | | wine. You can bid on vintage wines and purchase |
| Merchant Reliability | | | | them at affordable prices. You should review the |
| Internet merchants usually have a customer | | | | terms and conditions of the auction before you |
| service support number and a contact form so | | | | make a bid. You may want to try other auction |
| that you may ask questions and/or check on | | | | sites such as eBay to purchase small items |
| your purchases. If you find a merchant with the | | | | before purchasing more expensive items, such as |
| product you want, and no such contact exists, | | | | vintage wines through an online auction. |
| you should look for another merchant. | | | | If you decide to collect wine or purchase |
| Reputable merchants also provide you with a | | | | expensive bottles of wine, shopping online may be |
| confirmation of your online order that you can | | | | the way to go. |
| print and/or save until your order arrives. | | | | |